Tallinn-based biotech startup ÄIO has partnered with natural skincare brand tilk! to launch their first commercial product, a bio-fermented facial serum powered by ÄIO’s RedOil, marking a key step from lab-scale innovation to consumer-ready application. ÄIO develops fermentation-derived oils from upcycled organic side-streams as sustainable alternatives to conventional fats, while tilk! specializes in high-performance, nature-inspired skincare formulations. Through this collaboration, ÄIO’s scientifically validated ingredient is integrated into a market-facing product, combining biotech-driven actives with tilk!’s formulation expertise.
ÄIO is a biotechnology company developing fermentation-derived fats and oils from organic side-streams. Founded in 2022 as a spinout of Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), the company focuses on producing alternative lipid ingredients for use in sectors such as cosmetics and food. Its technology relies on microbial fermentation processes designed to reduce dependence on traditional agricultural inputs.
tilk! is a skincare brand that formulates and sells cosmetic products based on plant-derived and naturally sourced ingredients. The company develops its products in-house, combining conventional cosmetic formulation practices with selected new ingredient inputs. Its portfolio includes a range of skincare items positioned within the natural cosmetics segment.
The product is a significant step for ÄIO, marking its evolution from research and ingredient development to market-ready, consumer-facing applications. Developed by tilk!, the serum combines ÄIO’s RedOil with marine and plant-based actives to deliver a high-performance skincare solution grounded in both science and nature. The partnership marks a breakthrough for Estonia’s rising biotech and cosmetics sectors, demonstrating how local innovation can shape the future of clean, high‑performance beauty.
“Seeing an idea that started in a research group evolve into a real commercial product is exactly what deep tech is about, ” says Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, Co-founder of ÄIO and Professor at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). “Universities exist not only to generate knowledge, but to translate that knowledge into real-world impact. This product is a strong example of how science, supported by the right ecosystem, can create tangible values.”
At the heart of the serum formulation is ÄIO’s RedOil, a fermentation-derived functional ingredient produced from upcycled organic side-streams. Rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids, RedOil offers retinol-like skin renewal benefits without irritation, supporting skin barrier function, hydration, and resilience against environmental stressors.
“RedOil is such an incredible ingredient to work with,” says Magdalena Koziol, Head of Cosmetics Development at ÄIO. “It’s not just a premium oil with a great sustainability story. When we received the analytical results, it became clear that it delivers real, measurable benefits on the cellular level. This is not just about marketing claims, it is about science. We are truly happy to see this cooperation and initiative come to life, where multiple innovative ingredients are combined into real products. It is great to see Estonian brands like tilk! promoting ingredients made locally. They have been an excellent partner, curious, hands-on, and committed to creating formulations that truly work.”
The collaboration between has been ongoing from the beginning, from early ingredient testing to final product development. tilk!’s formulation expertise and commitment to natural, effective cosmetics played a key role in bringing the product to market.
“We have worked with many new ingredients, but what made ÄIO different was the combination of scientific credibility and real sustainability impact,” says Pille Lengi, CEO and formulator at tilk!. “RedOil is not only effective on skin, but it represents a new way of thinking about cosmetics, using upcycled resources to create high-performance actives.”
The launch comes at a time when the cosmetics industry is under increasing pressure to replace conventional oils with traceable, sustainable, and high-performing alternatives. ÄIO’s fermentation technology enables production independent of climate and agriculture, offering stable quality, scalable supply chains and sustainable production. Skin Booster Bio-Fermented Serum with ÄIO RedOil is a real product and now commercially available on tilk! e-shop, marking one of the first real examples in the European Union where fermentation-derived oils from side-streams are integrated into a finished cosmetic product on the market.
“As a scientist, I started this journey with a bold idea, that we can produce better fats and oils without relying on agriculture. In just four years, we have built technology, scaled it, secured partnerships, and now we are bringing our ingredients into real products you can buy. This is a huge milestone for our team and investors,” Nemailla Bonturi, Co-founder and CEO of ÄIO adds. “And yes, it also brings me closer to a personal promise, to create a product that makes my mom look years younger.”
Skin Booster Bio-Fermented Serum with ÄIO RedOil is a multifunctional formulation designed to restore elasticity, deeply hydrate, reduce redness, and improve skin tone. It demonstrates how fermentation-derived ingredients can move beyond concept into real consumer products, bridging the gap between biotechnology and everyday use.
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/aio-and-tilk-partner/
